Principal Automation Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead the specification, development, and validation of custom automated machinery, robotic cells, and integrated manufacturing systems.
• Work closely with integration partners to architect control system solutions involving PLCs, motion control, robotics, machine vision, industrial networking, and safety systems.
• Define automation standards, best practices, and design methodologies for long-term scalability.
• Serve as the technical lead on large, complex automation projects from concept through start-up in the destination manufacturing facility.
• Develop functional and technical specifications, system layouts, risk assessments, and factory and site acceptance test plans.
• Oversee system integration, debugging, optimization, and factory acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, operations, and product engineering teams to identify automation opportunities and production constraints.
• Support business case development, ROI analysis, and roadmap planning for automation investments.
• Communicate project status, risks, and design decisions to engineering leadership and operations stakeholders.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies, robotics platforms, sensors, and AI-enhanced tools for potential adoption.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase reliability, reduce cycle time, and improve manufacturability.
• Champion automation safety, risk reduction, and compliance with all industry standards.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers in robotics, controls, machine design, and project execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in automation engineering, with significant hands-on work in custom automation machinery.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all degrees earned.
• Extensive experience overseeing automation projects with full lifecycle ownership of all technical aspects.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety standards (ISO, IEC, ANSI, NFPA).
• Prominent ability to drive cross-functional technical discussions and influence strategic decisions.